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Robotic Surgery

Introducing the da Vinci Si HD

In November of 2009, Boston Children's Hospital became the first hospital in the New England (and the first pediatric hospital in the world) to acquire a fourth-generation da VinciSi HD Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical®. The Si incorporates a number of new features that enhance the operative experience for the surgeon, OR team and patient:

Dual consolesImage of da Vinci SI HD Surgical System; Children's Robotic Surgery.

Dual consoles enable two surgeons to:

  • collaborate during a procedure
  • exchange control of the instrument arms and endoscope
  • communicate through a built-in intercom

 

Remote surgery 

With the new Si system, any console can interact with any patient-side cart (once properly programmed). A surgeon can literally operate from half a world away.

 

Photo of robotic surgery; Children's Robotic Surgery Program.Enhanced visualization
Both the surgeon's screen and the external screen, viewable by the entire OR team, provide high-definition, 3D visuals.

 

Image of clinician looking at monitor; Children's Robotic Surgery Program.Enhanced OR team communication
Because the surgeon is often immersed in the console, the OR team must approach communication differently than they would in open or laparoscopic cases. With the Si, members of the OR team can communicate with the surgeon by writing on the external screen with their finger. This message will appear on the surgeon's screen.

 

Image of clinician performing robotic surgery; Children's Robotic Surgery Program.Enhanced portability and arm-interface
The new system is more compact and easier to move into place by the patient's side. Also, the robotic arm in use is indicated by a light on that arm, so that the entire OR team knows precisely where surgical engagement is taking place.